As if legalized gambling does not have enough victims, it looks to be grooming another generation of players – today’s children and youth, Guy Clark said. As if legalized gambling does not have enough victims, it looks to be grooming another generation of players – today’s children and youth, Guy Clark said. And in case one thinks that is exaggeration, check out current video game titles, noted Clark, chair of the National Coalition Against Legalized Gambling. A “Golden Nugget” title features “on-the-go versions” of games like blackjack, craps, roulette, slots and video poker. It even allows players to save their games, so they can return later with accrued balances. The “Slots” game features more than 40 slot machines. “This game is so close to the real thing, you’ll think you’re in Vegas,” its packaging boasts. Meanwhile, “DD Tournament Poker” selection includes a feature for managing live home poker tournaments. There are other selections as well – and all are available at local stores, usually on the children’s aisles. Indeed, without violence or sexual themes, many of the games are rated “E” – suitable for ages six or older. One rated “E” title even notes, “When you’re down on your luck, visit … [Read more...]
Churches and partisan politics do not need to mix
It may be a great idea for politicians, but it is a terrible idea for churches. There is a bill in the U.S. Congress that would allow churches and other “houses of worship” to endorse specific political candidates and parties without losing the congregation’s tax-exempt status. It may be a great idea for politicians, but it is a terrible idea for churches. There is a bill in the U.S. Congress that would allow churches and other “houses of worship” to endorse specific political candidates and parties without losing the congregation’s tax-exempt status. The bill has been named the “Houses of Worship Free Speech Restoration Act” by its author, Rep. Walter Jones, R-N.C. (See accompanying article below.) Presently, churches can speak however freely they like to on issues and encourage members to vote based on the issues. However, as a not-for-profit religious organization enjoying tax-free status from the federal government, they are not to endorse particular candidates or parties in order to avoid being overtly political. The Internal Revenue Service penalty for churches endorsing particular parties or candidates is the loss of their tax-exempt status. News reports indicate the Southern … [Read more...]
Louisiana Baptists working to rebuild tornado town
Louisiana Baptists are working to rebuild the town of Olla – one house at a time. By Brian Blackwell LBM Newswriter Louisiana Baptists are working to rebuild the town of Olla – one house at a time. As reported in the March 3 issue of the Baptist Message, Louisiana Baptist Disaster Relief leaders have issued a call for Louisiana Baptists to “adopt” – rebuild – homes that were damaged or destroyed by the Nov. 23 tornado that affected the central Louisiana community. Disaster relief leaders are working with the town of Olla, LaSalle Baptist Association and First Baptist Church of Olla, as well as the Red Cross and Salvation Army. The deadly tornado in Olla produced winds in excess of 150 m.p.h., resulting in one fatality and damaging or destroying 167 of the 587 homes in the community. After numerous attempts to receive aid from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the United States government denied the town’s final appeal for financial assistance last month. That is when Louisiana Baptist Foundation Executive Director Wayne Taylor suggested to state Disaster Relief Director Loy Seal the idea of adopting houses. Seal then submitted the idea during the weekly unmet needs committee … [Read more...]
Poll – one-third of U.S. youth do not believe in evolution
America’s public schools may be teaching evolution, but more than one-third of the nation’s teenagers are not buying it. America’s public schools may be teaching evolution, but more than one-third of the nation’s teenagers are not buying it. In addition, an overwhelming majority of American youth say they believe God was involved in the creation of humanity in one way or another, a new poll reveals. The Gallup poll of 1,028 teenagers ages 13-17 found that 38 percent do not believe in evolution, believing instead that “God created human beings pretty much in their present form at one time within the last 10,000 years or so.” Another 43 percent said they believe that humans “developed over millions of years from less advanced forms of life, but God guided” the process. Only 18 percent of youth said evolution took place without God playing a role. The Gallup poll also asked teenagers their opinion about the evidence behind Darwin’s theory of evolution. Thirty-seven percent said they thought Darwin’s theory was “well supported by evidence.” Thirty percent said it was “just one of many theories” and one that “has not been well supported by evidence.” Thirty-three percent said they did not yet know enough … [Read more...]
He wanted to die – until he found a reason to live
Former Korn lead guitarist Brian “Head” Welch wanted to die – until he found something for which to live. Former Korn lead guitarist Brian “Head” Welch wanted to die – until he found something for which to live. “Now, I’m living a fairytale,” says Welch, 34, who was a founding member of the hard-rock band Korn. “I swear this is real.” Welch is quick to recount how desperate he was just a few weeks ago – and how much his life has changed since that time. “I was addicted to methamphetamines and tried everything – ... rehab, stuff on the Internet, but nothing helped me kick it,” Welch relates. “I was trying on my own to quit and couldn’t do it. I wanted to die. No one knew what I was going through. I could not quit. “Church was my last shot.” Welch began to attend services at Valley Bible Fellowship in Bakersfield, Calif., his hometown. He recalls how he would sit in church high on drugs and wonder why people were going to the front of the church after the service. Then, his turn came. “I said (to God), ‘Show me how to quit,’” Welch relates. Ron Vietti serves as pastor of the Valley Bible Fellowship congregation. He says he remembers a man wearing a hooded sweatshirt nodding his head at the … [Read more...]
He left a comfortable life – to help others realize new life in Christ
Unlike most Hispanic immigrants, Carlos and Cristina Se La Barra was not looking for a prosperous life when they arrived in the United States 14 years ago. They were seeking a more fulfilling one. Unlike most Hispanic immigrants, Carlos and Cristina Se La Barra was not looking for a prosperous life when they arrived in the United States 14 years ago. They were seeking a more fulfilling one. Actually, life was quite comfortable for the De La Barras and their three daughters in their native Santiago, Chile, where Carlos owned a computer company. “For years, we made really good money,” De La Barra says. “We traveled all around the world. But after a while, again and again, I had the same feeling of emptiness. I tried to kill this emptiness by working 20 hours a day, seven days a week.” However, even that was not enough. It was only when De La Barra met a Southern Baptist missionary who was starting a church in the area that he says he began to realize he was empty spiritually. During the next year, the two families became friends, sharing meals together regularly. Then, during a Saturday morning breakfast at a hotel restaurant, De La Barra prayed with the missionary pastor to receive Christ as his … [Read more...]
It is a smaller church in a small town – but it has a very big vision
The Cooperative Program and First Baptist Church of Tehuacana, Texas, both were started in 1925 – and both continue to serve as beacons of God’s light throughout the world. The Cooperative Program and First Baptist Church of Tehuacana, Texas, both were started in 1925 – and both continue to serve as beacons of God’s light throughout the world. One would not expect the Texas congregation to be characterized as such. After all, it sits in a town of about 300 persons. A few years ago, it was down to just three members – and only about 30 attend now. Still, its vision is large. “We have a strong belief in missions,” says Dale McDaniel, pastor of the small Texas congregation. “We feel that by our giving (to missions), we who cannot go into all the world can send those who can.” The church gives at least 10 percent of its annual undesignated offerings through the Cooperative Program, the cornerstone method by which Southern Baptists share support for missions work state by state and around the world. The church sends similar sums to its local association and to a nearby youth camp. At the same time, First Baptist Church focuses on local ministry, fellowship and community needs. One of its projects was … [Read more...]
As an artist, he makes a living – as a missions worker, he makes a difference
With the deft skill of a trained artisan, Terrell O’Brien selects a With the deft skill of a trained artisan, Terrell O’Brien selects a sculpting tool and places it on the subject. As he cuts here, smoothes there, adds clay or takes it away, the design he has in mind begins to take shape. When he has completed the sculpture in this small version, he is ready to begin work on a larger-than-life version. O’Brien is an artist who produces monument-size sculptures for clients across North America. Subjects may include historical figures, children, Western themes, biblical characters or wildlife – his favorite. “After completing the clay models, I make the molds which a foundry will use to cast these works in bronze,” he says as he takes a break from his work. However, when the phone rings and he begins talking with church members, his real love comes into play. His calling to bivocational ministry drives his life, and his love of art provides his income. Without Terrell’s studio it would be difficult to support his wife, Vickie, and family in a state where jobs are hard to find. The couple live in Wyoming, where they serve as Mission Service Corps missionaries with the Southern Baptist North American … [Read more...]
Their goal is clear – to be ‘an instrument God uses’
From its overseas missions trips to the 1,500 persons who worship in its church plants each Sunday, Eastwood Baptist Church in Haughton adamantly is committed to obeying Acts 1:8. By Brian Blackwell LBM Newswriter From its overseas missions trips to the 1,500 persons who worship in its church plants each Sunday, Eastwood Baptist Church in Haughton adamantly is committed to obeying Acts 1:8. “Because of what Eastwood does about birthing churches, we may have 500 people on our campus each Sunday but impact 2,000 people on Sundays with all of the mission churches,” says Scott Teutsch, pastor at Eastwood Baptist Church. “That’s unbelievable.” Since the early 1990s, the northwestern Louisiana congregation has sponsored six mission-type churches, one of which is now a self-supporting church. This has created a domino effect, as some of those missions have helped sponsor other missions. “Our philosophy is God intends for his kingdom to grow by multiplications,” Teutsch says. “Eastwood can’t reach everyone because not everyone can drive to Eastwood. If they can’t get here, Eastwood may start a church there.” Ken Goodman agrees. “We are following a missions-minded pastor who answered the call in … [Read more...]
In a recent scheduled meeting, Louisiana College trustees acted to address issues related to accreditation
Louisiana College trustees spent five hours last week, focusing squarely on actions designed to address accreditation concerns at the school. Louisiana College trustees spent five hours last week, focusing squarely on actions designed to address accreditation concerns at the school. Trustees approved a number of steps in response to governance and academic freedom concerns cited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. The national accrediting agency placed the Louisiana Baptist school on one-year probation in December for a variety of perceived concerns about school operations. The college has a year to address the concerns or face another year of probation or even loss of accreditation, which would represent a severe blow to the school. College officials say they are confident concerns can be addressed in a satisfactory manner – and last week’s actions represented a large part of that process. In summary, during their extended scheduled session last week, trustees voted to: • Work together – and within established procedures – to conduct school business. • Serve – and listen to – all Louisiana Baptists, while guarding against any undue influence from others. • Establish separate task … [Read more...]